Lord Sebastian Coe provides Old Trafford update after initial task force meeting

Lord Sebastian Coe headed a task force overseeing Old Trafford’s regeneration amid plans to build a ‘Wembley of the North’.

Monday’s meeting was led by the former British Olympian in Manchester to decide whether to knock Old Trafford in favour of a new stadium next door. Lord Coe was joined by former Manchester United captain Gary Neville and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Personally speaking, I would like to see Old Trafford remain in some capacity because getting rid of it completely would be a shame. The stadium as things stand is in desperate need of modification and that has sadly been the case at Old Trafford for years.

Ratcliffe has made it clear he wants a ‘Wembley of the north’ and is hoping to secure private and public funding to make it happen.

Still early days

Lord Coe took to X after meetings, writing: “Yesterday, I chaired the first meeting of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force to kick-off a conversation about how development of a world-class football stadium for the north of England can deliver social and economic benefits for the region.

“At the London 2012 Olympics, I saw first-hand how sport can be a powerful driver of urban regeneration and I am excited to be part of this project.

“This meeting market the start of a multi-stakeholder process to explore options for the stadium and surrounding area.

“We are at the start of this journey, and it is too soon to know where it will lead. But we will consult closely with fans and local residents along the way, and keep everyone informed of progress.”